March 2026 Newsletter

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Addison County Regional Plan Update

The Addison County Regional Plan Update is available for public comments and review.


Public comments can be sent to Adam Lougee at alougee@acrpc.org or submitted via the input form our website.

Next steps:


Public Hearing #1 - April 8, 2026

Warning & virtual access link


Public Hearing #2 - June 10, 2026



The Land Use Review Board (LURB) is an independent state entity responsible for administering Act 250, Vermont’s land use and development law. The LURB held its site visit and public meeting on Feb. 17, 2026. The information and video link from that meeting can be accessed on the LURB website.



Act 59 Draft Conservation Plan & Objectives

Are you interested in engaging with ongoing efforts to preserve Vermont's historic landscapes, agricultural lands, and natural resources?


Join us in March for a public listening session on Act 59, Vermont’s commitment to conserving 30% of our state’s land by 2030, and 50% by 2050.


ACRPC is working with the Middlebury Area Land Trust and Otter Creek Natural Resource Conservation District to organize several listening sessions across Addison County - an initial overview will be followed by 3 listening sessions, each focusing on components of the Draft VT Conservation Plan Objective 2: Conservation for Communities

Please join one or more listening sessions:


Overview of Draft Conservation Plan and Objectives co-hosted by MALT & ACRPC

Middlebury Town Office - March 16, 4pm-5:30pm


Session 2: Pathway 1: Increase Equitable Access & Pathway 2: Sustainable Working Lands - Hosted by Otter Creek NRCD at Middlebury NRCD office Date TBD


Session 3: Pathway 3: Strengthen Climate Resilience - Hosted by ACRPC at Monkton Town Office - Wed., March 25, 7pm


Session 4: Pathway 4: Promote Outdoor Recreation & Pathway 5: Expand Place Based Education and Outreach - Hosted by MALT

Date, time, and location TBD


If you want to learn more or can't come to the listening sessions, there are background materials about the draft VT Conservation Plan and links for providing feedback here:

https://vermontconservationplan.com/vcp/framework-jan26/


For participants who want to provide more detailed feedback on specific objectives, we invite comments through the Vermont Conservation Plan website where each objective has an associated survey. Feedback can also be submitted via email at vcpadmin@vhcb.org.


To see state and local progress towards 2030 and 2050 Conservation targets, see the VHCB online map available

Community Tree Fund

The Community Tree Fund is a collaborative effort between the Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) and the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (VT UCF). This partnership is dedicated to supporting small-scale tree planting projects in Vermont through mini-grants. A total of $5,000 is available in mini-grants ranging from $500-$1,500 for projects.


For eligibility and guidelines, visit: Community Tree Fund | Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program or contact Elise Schadler at 802-522-6015; elise.schadler@vermont.gov.



VT Community Development Assoc. Conference

VCDA’s Spring conference will explore the avenues and resources that are available today for communities to become housing-ready.


Come learn about 802Homes and the Community Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP); discuss the latest Act 250 reform; and strategize on how to start a housing committee in your community. Visit: VCDA Spring Conference 2026 - VT Community Development Association




Cybersecurity & Federal Grant Requirements

The federal government has strengthened cybersecurity expectations for all recipients of federal financial assistance. As of October 1, 2024, municipalities must include cybersecurity as part of their internal control systems. Cyberattacks, especially phishing and ransomware, are increasingly targeting small towns.


The updated federal rules recognize this risk and require municipalities to take reasonable steps to safeguard financial systems, grant records, and sensitive data. For more resources on how to protect your municipality, visit: Meeting Federal Grant Requirements for Cybersecurity Internal Controls | Vermont League of Cities and Towns

Funding Opportunities

Vermont Arts Council Grants

The Vermont Arts Council is now accepting applications for two grants: Arts Projects & Arts Operating for nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions wanting to provide access to the arts. For more information or to apply, visit: Arts Project Grants - Vermont Arts Council


Educational Opportunities

Vermont Bond Bank 5th Annual Vermont Capital Planning Forum


Thursday, April 9, 2026


An in-person event for governmental to explore Vermont specific best practices in capital planning.


To register, visit: Vermont Bond Bank / UVM Leahy Institute 5th Annual Capital Planning Forum Registration



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Upcoming Events from VLCT:

March Attorney Office Hours, Wed 3/11, 12 PM – 1 PM. Bring your lunch and your questions for a live, interactive Q&A with VLCT's attorneys. Visit: March Attorney Office Hours


Workplace Matters: An Employer's Role During a Labor Organizing Petition, Thu 3/12, 12 PM – 1 PM. Learn what municipal employers need to know when employees seek to organize or change a union affiliation. Visit: Workplace Matters: An Employer’s Role During a Labor Organizing Petition


Morning Session: Open Meeting Law Basics, Wed 3/18, 10 AM – 11:30 AM. Learn the essential requirements for complying with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law in this 90-minute webinar. Visit: Morning Session: Open Meeting Law Basics | Vermont League of Cities and Towns or for an evening session visit: Evening Session: Open Meeting Law Basics


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This newsletter is financed through the State of Vermont Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs. 

Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the State of Vermont. 

All programs of the Addison County Regional Planning Commission are ADA accessible.